Louisiana Tech is one of 12 universities nationwide with an active Grand Challenge Scholars program.

"We are so pleased with the success of our Grand Challenge Scholars," Dr. Jenna Carpenter, associate dean for the College of Engineering and Science and the Wayne and Juanita Spinks Professor of Mathematics and Statistics. "The program provides them with broader skill sets and motivates them to reach for even higher accomplishments that distinguish them as some of the top engineering and science graduates in the nation."

In addition to the honor, Elfer received a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship to pursue a doctorate in biomedical engineering at Tulane University.

Tech's College of Engineering and Science recently held its second annual National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenge Scholars Showcase, which featured the work of the four.

Elfer credits her Grand Challenge experiences with helping her land the fellowship.

"The Grand Challenge Scholars Program provided a solid framework for me to organize all of the various activities I have accomplished at Louisiana Tech," said Elfer.

The program started in 2009 by the National Academy of Engineering to better prepare engineering graduates to solve the complex issues facing the world in the 21st century.

Carpenter leads Louisiana Tech's Grand Challenges Scholars program along with steering committee members Brad Cicciarelli, a lecturer in chemical and mechanical engineering, Katie Evans, an associate professor of mathematics, Leland Weiss, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and June Feng, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering.

Carpenter also serves as the chair of the national-level National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenge Scholars Program Steering Committee.

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Engineering grads join elite ranks

Special to The News-StarRUSTON - Louisiana Tech University's National Academy of Grand Challenge Scholars program is about to add four more graduates to its ranks.Kate Elfer (nanosystems engineering),